The 45-year-old will trek across the Himalayan Mountains in a arduous challenge of a lifetime that will take three weeks, five peaks and 200km of walking to complete.

Neil, of Westwinds, off Purston Lane, wants to raise £1,000 for Diabetes UK, a charity close to his heart.

He said: "My dad Peter has been badly affected by diabetes, he's actually had both legs amputated because of the impact on his circulation.
"That has resonated with me and I thought it was important to do something about it.

"Diabetes affects about 1.5 million people nationwide and about the same amount are undiagnosed like ticking timebombs – it's bout five per cent of the population.
"Diabetes UK raises awareness but my intention is to fund research into it as it is quite an unknown disease."

Neil, a project manager for 02, has been training for six months in preparation for his team trek, which begins on April 1, and has collected £350 sponsorship so far.

He added: "At the moment I feel a mixture of excitement, fear and trepidation – I have done a few climbs but nothing quite like this.
"I went to the Himalayas for the first time last year and that whetted my appetite.
"The other day I was in a corporate presentation in the 02 arena in London and next week I will be 300 miles from anywhere.
"You really realise the remoteness and the height as well as the change in altitude.
"Since my schoolboy days I have had a passion for the Himalayan mountains, it will be life-changing."

To sponsor Neil click here